On a hot day – which is all of them from now ‘til October – there’s nothing better than kicking back with something cold and sweet. The Heat Island has plenty of options when it comes to chilly desserts, but here are seven treats you have to try, from snow cones to milkshakes to custard. Some of these vendors are Dallas-Fort Worth staples that steal the spotlight for a reason; others are newcomers you should get to know soon – like, today.
Pie shake from sCRUMBScious Pie Company
What is a pie shake? Think milkshake but with the added flavor and texture of a slice of pie blended in. Try any of their homemade flavors (chocolate crème evokes your classic chocolate shake, while blueberry is bit more adventurous), and preface dessert with hamburger, fries and their addictive special sauce.
Mesquite, 972/809-9993
scrumbscious.com
Ice cream sundae from What’s da Scoop?
Blue Bell is clearly the best, but Wisconsin cream is pretty good, too. Visit the blue food truck with the giant ice cream cones splattered on top for a Midwestern treat in over 20 rotating flavors, including Fat Elvis (peanut butter and banana, of course), Blueberry Cheesecake and Cherry Amaretto Fudge. Find them on Facebook to see where they’re roaming next.
DFW Area
facebook.com/whatsdascoop
Snow Cone from The Snow Cone Lady
This summer will mark 30 years of classic crushed-ice snow cones from the red caboose on the Frisco Square. Mary Mathis, aka The Snow Cone Lady, serves up chilly creations with no frills or gimmicks – just ice, syrup and cream (optional, but highly recommended). Bring $1.50 for a small; cash only.
Frisco
facebook.com
Ice cream taco from Pokey O’s
Dallas’ favorite ice cream sandwich creator just launched a new treat that’s sweet and south-of-the-border. Pick your taco-shell-shaped waffle cone (regular or chocolate), your ice cream and your favorite toppings and voilà! Ice cream taco. Of course you can still order a signature cookie sandwich if you really want.
Dallas, 214/987-1200
pokeyos.com
Handcrafted Popsicle from Pop Star
Last year, Dallas welcomed John Doumas and Jen Yates and their VW bus “storefront” to the White Rock Local Market, along with locally-sourced frozen creations in flavors like Mango Lime, Strawberry Lemonade and Cucumber Lemon Mint. Don’t feel guilty about letting the kids (and yourself) indulge – each pop is vegan, gluten-free and has no refined sugars.
Dallas, 214/244-2502
facebook.com/popstarpopsicles
Shaved ice from Happy Camper’s
You’ve got to try an oh-so-fine shaved ice treat from Happy Camper’s – unless you opt instead for a creamy float or fresh-squeezed lemonade in a variety of not-from-concentrate flavors like watermelon and raspberry. Happy Camper’s roves Denton in a 1959 Shasta trailer you can’t miss (and watch for them in Carrollton on occasion).
Denton, 806/241-3373
facebook.com/happycamperssno
Concrete from Curly’s Frozen Custard
You’ll be able to tell from your first spoonful that custard isn’t ice cream – it’s thicker, creamier, and richer. Create your own concrete (custard’s version of a Blizzard) with over 30 mix-in choices or order a specialty concrete like Death by Chocolate or the fruit-laden Bananarama. Enjoy your concrete with a Nathan’s Hot Dog as you relax on the covered patio with the fam.
Fort Worth, 817/763-8700
curlysfrozencustard.com
Published July 2013
